Kettle thieves caught in McDonald
The grinches who grabbed a kettle placed by the Salvation Army to help the less fortunate were hoping to find enough money to help satisfy their need for heroin.
Instead, they found about $33 inside the kettle they stole Friday night from TJ’s Deli Mart, 357 E. Lincoln St., McDonald.
McDonald police credit not only conventional media sources but social media in helping them identify Joshua Basinger, 30, and Rachel Pecharka, 21, both of North Street, McDonald, as the culprits in the theft Tuesday after receiving tips from two anonymous callers.
The two reportedly were in the store about 8 p.m. Friday. After Basinger purchased a soft drink, they left for a few minutes. He allegedly returned, opened the door and reached inside, grabbing the kettle.
“They actually had it planned out,” Dhanse said. “They had gone in to canvas the store before taking the kettle.”
Dhanse said the two were found inside their residence Tuesday night. The pair lived there for about six months. Dhanse said they did not initially answer the door. Pecharka eventually opened the door as Basinger was in the bathroom, shaving off the goatee he had in the surveillance photos.
One of the tipsters recognized Pecharka, who always wore the same hooded shirt, Dhanse said. The parking enforcement clerk recognized the name because of an outstanding parking ticket.
“We got the license plate number, but it did not match a vehicle in McDonald,” Dhanse said. “It was registered to her parents in McKees Rocks. We contacted her mom and dad and were told they were living in McDonald.”
Dhanse said after grabbing the kettle, the two drove to Aliquippa to purchase heroin. The kettle was dumped in a garbage can at a gasoline station.
“They figured we would be looking for them, but they did not realize the attention they had gotten,” Dhanse said. “Basinger said he felt bad about what they did, but said they were really hurting for a fix. When they saw how much was in the kettle, they wondered if it was worth it. They said all their money goes to heroin.”
Dhanse said both are currently unemployed. Basinger told police he once had a good job but lost it because of his addiction. Pecharka was fired about a month ago from a job at a retailer in Robinson Township, Allegheny County.
The two were released Tuesday night. After consulting with the Washington County District Attorney’s office, police were told to send the misdemeanor charges by summons as opposed to arraigning them. Both will be charged at the office of Senior District Judge Jay Dutton with theft, receiving stolen property, conspiracy and possession of drug paraphernalia.